Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 19:08:47

Title: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 19:08:47
She had her first ride on B roads since the Bilsteins were installed.  First question was; "Weren't these things you put in called shock absorbers?  They aren't absorbing anything."  She also said that the car was much more comfortable at 70+ than at lower speeds (this was on B roads), and that it was much more stable in general.

Then she said that if they aren't softer after our trip to Cornwall at Easter then we will need to talk.  :-[
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Markie on 31 March 2007, 19:09:42
oh dear.. :(
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Bo Bo on 31 March 2007, 19:39:31
If I get my new motor tomorrow; you can all way's swap them  :D ......
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 19:47:33
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If I get my new motor tomorrow; you can all way's swap them  :D ......
I take it you're all set for tomorrow?

It would go a lot faster, but I figure it would be 300 for VX shocks and another alignment.  I haven't even paid my Visa bill for these yet.  >:(  What you get for trying to do it on the cheap.  :'(
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 March 2007, 19:55:42
One of my rear shocks is weeping but I think I will be going for the Vauxhall ones.
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Admin on 31 March 2007, 20:21:13
Very strange...

I fitted the rear Bilsteins today, and I have to say, it is firmer, but it is also comfortable with enough damping to take care of the imperfections. I am very pleased.
Certainly nothing like the ride you describe on yours Theo.

What springs have you on it?
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 20:54:28
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Very strange...

I fitted the rear Bilsteins today, and I have to say, it is firmer, but it is also comfortable with enough damping to take care of the imperfections. I am very pleased.
Certainly nothing like the ride you describe on yours Theo.

What springs have you on it?
Original springs.  I drove it around after doing the rears and didn't notice anything, but I didn't go down bad roads.  The rears are less of an issue anyway.

The damping actually isn't the issue, it is the increase in the effective spring rate.  That or maybe high-speed damping.  It is very good over speed bumps, etc., but sharp bumps are very harsh - especially things like rumble strips before roundabouts, rippled asphalt, and potholes.
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Tony H on 31 March 2007, 21:02:30
You could allways purchase some of those inflatable rubber rings that they give people that have had heameroid operations to sit on :D
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: STMO123 on 31 March 2007, 21:02:34
My omega is like that Theo, although mine is a facelift, so probably a bit stiffer. I'm starting to think here, that maybe your car is now the way it is meant to be, but you're used to it being softer due to knackered shocks :-/
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 21:05:55
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My omega is like that Theo, although mine is a facelift, so probably a bit stiffer. I'm starting to think here, that maybe your car is now the way it is meant to be, but you're used to it being softer due to knackered shocks :-/
It is about twice as harsh as a Fiesta Zetec.  Not exactly how an Elite should be!
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: STMO123 on 31 March 2007, 21:07:45
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My omega is like that Theo, although mine is a facelift, so probably a bit stiffer. I'm starting to think here, that maybe your car is now the way it is meant to be, but you're used to it being softer due to knackered shocks :-/
It is about twice as harsh as a Fiesta Zetec.  Not exactly how an Elite should be!


Hmmm.....maybe not.  No need to shout :'(
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 21:13:16
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My omega is like that Theo, although mine is a facelift, so probably a bit stiffer. I'm starting to think here, that maybe your car is now the way it is meant to be, but you're used to it being softer due to knackered shocks :-/
It is about twice as harsh as a Fiesta Zetec.  Not exactly how an Elite should be!

Hmmm.....maybe not.  No need to shout :'(
Sorry, I didn't mean TO BE SHOUTING!  ;) ;D

I'm thinking if trying to have that talk with her in the car.  She says she can't talk when the road is rough because every bump is like being punched in the back.  Maybe it's not all bad.  :P :D

Eh, she knows I'm not serious about that stuff.  ;)  (And no, she is not watching me right now.)  :)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: STMO123 on 31 March 2007, 21:22:52
If its really that bad, like its coming between you and your sleep, stick it on ebay and see what happens. I know we all love our cars on here, but thats all it is, a car!
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 21:34:53
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If its really that bad, like its coming between you and your sleep, stick it on ebay and see what happens. I know we all love our cars on here, but thats all it is, a car!
Yeah, but I need a car for now.  It has softened up ever so slightly after 300 miles.  I really hope it gets a little better after Cornwall.  It doesn't have to be normal Elite soft for me to be able to stand it for a while at least.

I guess what's so aggravating is how great the rest of the car is, especially for the money.  Also, if my back was better I could have a manual.  >:(  A manual 2.5 Elite with non-memory seats, 3.0L cams, chip, and all the toys could be a wonderful thing.  8-)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 March 2007, 21:38:03
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If its really that bad, like its coming between you and your sleep, stick it on ebay and see what happens. I know we all love our cars on here, but thats all it is, a car!
Yeah, but I need a car for now.  It has softened up ever so slightly after 300 miles.  I really hope it gets a little better after Cornwall.  It doesn't have to be normal Elite soft for me to be able to stand it for a while at least.

I guess what's so aggravating is how great the rest of the car is, especially for the money.  Also, if my back was better I could have a manual.  >:(  A manual 2.5 Elite with non-memory seats, 3.0L cams, chip, and all the toys could be a wonderful thing.  8-)

I love it when you talk dirty ;D
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 21:42:19
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I love it when you talk dirty ;D
Yeah, well, I'm not converting it to a manual!  At least no by myself. Oh, James . . . . !

Anyway, I tried your clutch pedal.  Isn't it a lot stiffer than a 2.5?
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 March 2007, 21:45:49
I dont know to be honest because I havent driven a 2.5 for about 3 years, maybe Timbuk could confirm. One thing I do know is that mine will need a clutch in the near future :'(
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: STMO123 on 31 March 2007, 21:46:57
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I dont know to be honest because I havent driven a 2.5 for about 3 years, maybe Timbuk could confirm. One thing I do know is that mine will need a clutch in the near future :'(

Kinell Pete, anything else? ;D
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 March 2007, 22:07:34
Oh yeah, Cambelt, tensioners, water pump, rocker cover gaskets, OS exhaust manifold gasket and aux belt for now then I can start on the body work ;)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Timbuk on 31 March 2007, 22:09:54
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I dont know to be honest because I havent driven a 2.5 for about 3 years, maybe Timbuk could confirm. One thing I do know is that mine will need a clutch in the near future :'(

Can't say i noticed any difference between the two ;)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 March 2007, 22:11:54
I didnt think there would be much difference as theres only approx 30 bhp between them and I wouldnt be suprised if the clutch was the same.
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Timbuk on 31 March 2007, 22:13:26
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I didnt think there would be much difference as theres only approx 30 bhp between them and I wouldnt be suprised if the clutch was the same.

Apart from mines a bit lower on the pedal ::)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: theolodian on 31 March 2007, 22:13:50
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Oh yeah, Cambelt, tensioners, water pump, rocker cover gaskets, OS exhaust manifold gasket and aux belt for now then I can start on the body work ;)
I'm free the weekend of April 28th.  Pizza and beer accepted.  :)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Timbuk on 31 March 2007, 22:18:40
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Oh yeah, Cambelt, tensioners, water pump, rocker cover gaskets, OS exhaust manifold gasket and aux belt for now then I can start on the body work ;)
I'm free the weekend of April 28th.  Pizza and beer accepted.  :)

And me ;)
Title: Re: The girlfriend has spoken
Post by: Elite Pete on 31 March 2007, 22:21:42
Sounds good to me but I will have to work my golden orbs of joy off in the house so she will let me out.